Green homes are all the rage, but is it too soon for them to be economically viable?The green home craze is finally taking off in the U.S., and for good reason: Homes consume a lot of energy, which not only contributes to global warming, pollution and other unsustainable situations, but also costs a lot of money.

Many people in certain areas of the country are spending big money to outfit their homes with solar panels, high R-value windows and high efficiency appliances, hoping that the energy savings from these items will justify their investment in the long run. However, there are some who think that it is too early for us to make truly green homes at a price point that allows for a return on investment.

Solar power or LED lights?
As Lois Vitt Sale, writing for ProudGreenHome.com, outlined in an article, the price for solar is still extremely high. In her area, the panels needed to generate a steady kilowatt of power cost between $6,000 and $6,500. While these panels may pay for themselves over time, the initial investment is high enough that buyers like Sale aren’t ready to enter the market.

She points out that this may change in the near future. A few years prior, the same panels would have cost between $8,000 and $10,000. It’s worth noting that Sale’s article was written a few years ago, and already the cost of solar panels has fallen to as low as $4,500, according to SunRun.com.

At the time of writing, however, Sale preferred to go for low-hanging fruit, like installing LEDs instead of incandescent. These easy-to-accomplish elements of a green home are important, as they tend to yield the highest return on investment.

Scott Adams shares his experience
Scott Adams, creator of hit cartoon “Dilbert,” put a lot of work and a considerable amount of money into building his own green home, the troubles with which he detailed in a piece for The Wall Street Journal. He installed photovoltaic panels, water-heated floors and a whole house fan in the attic – in short, the works.

While the home is absolutely green, he suggests that it may not be paying for itself. The photovoltaic system, for example, is supposed to pay for itself over the course of 15 years, but as of yet, he suspects that he is still being charged by the energy company. Further, he explains that the most economical thing to do would have been to wait a few years until the price of photovoltaic panels comes down considerably, as it is predicted to. The heated floors are theoretically more efficient, but so comfortable that Adams and his family use them more than they might another solution.

While it may have been too soon for Adams’ green house to be economically viable, he makes a point that early adopters like him are the reason that prices will come down in the near future. Tell us what you think: Is it too soon for a truly green home?

This property is an elegant 2005 built home located in The Sanctuary at 25527 Wood Creek Rd, Perrysburg, Ohio 43551.

This home has a dramatic foyer entry that leads to the two story family room with expansive windows. A beautiful spacious kitchen is connected to the family room that contains ceramic tile floors, maple cabinets, granite counters, island and pantry.

The basement has had some updating with several studded walls that are ready for finishing. The basement has the plumbing in place for a full bathroom.

The master suite is good size and features a closet that is the size of many smaller homes living room!

This house is located minutes from the expressway and other local amenities such as shopping, entertainment, restaurants, and outdoor parks.

This beautiful home is priced at $365,000.00.

If you have any questions pertaining to this property feel free to contact Rick Popiolek at (419)283-7779.

This custom built three bedrooms; two and a half bathrooms log home is an open design with high ceilings and features a wonderful sunroom that overlooks the private, wooded .46 acres!

Among its beautiful detail this home features a quaint open family room and kitchen including a cathedral ceiling with natural beams, accompanied by a stone surround on gas fireplace, wood flooring, kitchen island and hickory cabinets.

Nestled at 28220 Simmons Rd, Perrysburg, Ohio 43551 this home is in a desirable school district and family friendly community! Perrysburg is also rated #26 of 50 for the safest cities in Ohio by Safewise.com!

Simmons Rd is a short drive from US 75 with access to shopping, dining, services and entertainment at Levis Commons and River Place Center. This is a unique home in a private setting that offers serene, quiet living in the city!

A bright sunroom overlooks the private backyard and features three walls of windows and oversized skylight, providing a great place to relax and enjoy the quiet fenced in backyard that contains a patio and fire pit.

The master bedroom features two closets and a master bath. With the purchase of this home you will acquire the home warranty and low utility costs. Recent renovations include:

·2013 new carpet was installed in the family room.

·2012 a new water heater was installed.

·New garage door opener.

·The shed has electric and new paint installed and applied in 2012.

·A Radon Mitigation System.

This wonderful home is listed by Agent Donna Friesner with a list price of $184,900. If you have any questions regarding this listing please contact Donna at (419) 356-6688.

Today we are proud to feature a traditional 2-story design home that has an open main level with an office and an upstairs master suite with four additional bedrooms upstairs. This spacious 3,429 square foot, custom built home is located in a quiet, mature area on a cul-de-sac, perfectly situated close to Brandywine Country Club and I475. This quiet residential area in Holland has many shopping centers, restaurants and golf courses conveniently located nearby.

Few things change as frequently as the weather, but home design is giving rain, snow and sunshine a run for their money.It doesn’t take a lot of time for a popular trend to fade into oblivion – or worse, become incredibly dated (wood paneling, anyone?). However, it is always fun to look back just a few years to remember those once-favorite design trends. In fact, it may not be much longer before some of those ideas make a triumphant return.

Here are a few home design elements that were popular in the 2000s and the 2010s:

Design from 2000 to 2009
In the 1990s, home design was mostly about minimalism. Once the year 2000 hit, though, that changed to include more vibrant colors and interesting patterns.

According to the Guardian, one big home design trend in the 2000s was comfort. People wanted color and wallpaper, floral patterns and fancy prints. “Feature walls” were also a favorite, with homeowners choosing only one wall to accent with a can of paint or a unique wallpaper pattern. Another big trend was nostalgia, with many people choosing to incorporate small pieces once found in homes from 1950s and 1960s, like a chair or table. Don’t forget that the 2000s were a big time for Ikea as well.

Design from 2010 to today
Style certainly shifted between 2009 and today. The small sampling of midcentury modern design that was teased in the early years of the decade had a resurgence after 2010, with many homeowners choosing interior design that felt a lot like it was straight out of the 1950s and 1960s.

According to CBS MoneyWatch, another new trend has taken hold in the bathroom. Once, homeowners wanted big whirlpool bathtubs. Today, many homeowners are opting for large showers and his-and-her vanities. Rainwater shower heads are also incredibly popular, as are clean lines and large, open floor plans.

Which home design trends do you think will be popular over the next five years?

Brought to you by our preferred Partner, HMS Home Warranty. HMS is an industry leader with over 30 years of creating success for clients and providing peace of mind for customers. To learn more click www.hmsnational.com.

Completely remodeled interior and exterior. This lovely condo features 2 large bedrooms and 2 ½ baths.

The spacious new gourmet kitchen includes stainless appliances, Traverline Flooring, Quartz Countertops, unique high end cabinetry, and a large kitchen bar.

The open and “right floor plan” with an abundance of windows and skylights release lots of natural lighting.

Master bedroom has sliding glass doors leading to a private deck and screened in porch having access to the back yard. Utility room is conveniently located on the first floor and features a utility sink and cabinets for extra storage.

A whole lot of beauty priced right for $269,900! Located in North Sylvania, with great schools, close to shopping and fine dining. For more information on this condo, please contact Lisa McPherson at 419-266-5472 or email at lisam@danberry.com.

Congratulations to our January 2015 Leaders! Danberry Realtors is here to serve you. Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan’s real estate choice; our Realtors and Agents make it worry free! Danberry has been a leader in real estate since 1962, we are proud of our team and commend their hard work and commitment to the Danberry terms of excellence!

This lovely gem was a Parade Home custom built for the builder himself. While the home may seem Tudor in style, the interior offers wide open spaces with generous room sizes and modern well-apportioned amenities.

Situated in in the excellent Sylvania School District, this home also enjoys the peaceful quietness and highly sought after serenity of the St. James Wood development. Practically everything is new! Within the past four years: fencing, both privacy and invisible; security system; granite kitchen and baths; appliances; entire yard sprinkler system; gutter protectors; windows; doors, and treatments.

The natural beauty of St. James Wood is an amenity in and of itself! There are many walking avenues as well as a neighborhood par and the development is within minutes of Pace Setter Park as well as many of the area metro-parks. This home was recently reduced to just $249,900!

3235 square feet of the finest luxury offered by this home cannot be duplicated at this price! A unique and beautiful spiral staircase leading from the den to the master bedroom for the late night work-a-holic of the hide and seek enthusiast! This home has been lovingly renovated and will be sadly missed by its relocating owners.

For more information or to schedule a personal showing please contact Pam McMillin at 419-343-0591 or email pamela_mcmillin@yahoo.com.